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Coyotes are a member of the canine family and are often found in wilderness areas. While they may be known as cute, cuddly animals from TV, coyotes are wild animals, and should be treated with respect. Follow this guide to safely avoid a confrontation with a coyote.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:Defending Yourself at Close Range
Method 1
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1Look at the coyote while slowly backing away. Maintain eye contact. Coyotes are generally frightened of people and will not confront you.[1]
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2Make yourself as large and imposing-looking as possible. This can be achieved by holding your backpack above your head or opening up your jacket.[2]
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3Shout or yell to frighten the coyote. Keep making noise.[3]
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4Throw sticks or rocks to scare away the coyote.[4]
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:Dealing With an Entire Pack
Method 2
Coyotes are known to live in a pack, so be careful.[5]
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:Staying Safe in Coyote Territory
Method 3
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1Be vigilant with your children and pets. Make sure they don't get too close, since they can be drawn towards animals.[8]
Community Q&A
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QuestionThere are coyotes in our yard, and they killed all the neighbor's chickens. Should I be scared?
Community AnswerNot scared, but you should be wary. Don't go outside once it is dark, and keep food inside so that you won't attract any unwanted animals. -
QuestionWhat if I can hear young coyotes howling near my home?
Community AnswerJust stay inside, especially if it's nighttime. Make sure your pets are safe as well. -
QuestionWhat do I do if a coyote is outside my front door and I need to go out?Community AnswerI recommend waiting until the coyote leaves the area. If it is an emergency and you must leave your house do so with caution and consider bringing a weapon or something to protect yourself.
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QuestionAm I in danger if I hear coyotes near my house in the mornings?Community AnswerNo, but be sure that any pets are indoors (or behind a fence). And keep the area clear of food, trash, etc., which might attract the animals. Coyotes are not really a danger to adult humans, as they are small and afraid of people. They could potentially harm pets or unattended small children, though.
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QuestionTo get to work, I have to ride my bicycle through an area with high coyote activity. What should I do?Community AnswerIf you can't find an alternative mode of transportation (by car, bus, or carpool), take some precautions such as carrying pepper spray with you. Coyote attacks on humans are rare.
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QuestionWhat if a pack surrounds your campsite and howls?Community AnswerMost likely, they're not surrounding you, they're just moving about in their territory, which just so happens to include your recently established campsite. Keep all food, food scraps, trash, and smelly-items put away in the car or tied in a tree (especially if it's bear territory as well). Keep a fire burning until you're ready for sleep, and keep a flashlight accessible in case you need to scare any intruders away from your campsite. They're far more interested in your scraps than they are in you.
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QuestionWhat should I do if I am scared?
Community AnswerYou should call your parents or the nearest person around or dial 911. Whatever you do, DO NOT RUN! If you run, the coyotes will think you are a threat, and they will chase you. -
QuestionWhat do I do if I am walking home and see a coyote?Community AnswerSlowly back away and make sure you don't stare them in the eyes or act threateningly.
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QuestionIs it common in New England to be attacked by a coyote?Community AnswerNot really. Only if you are in deep woods or the country is it common.
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QuestionWill you get attacked by a coyote if you are on a trampoline?Community AnswerIf the coyote is interested in you, it doesn't matter where you are. It's safer if you stay inside.
Warnings
- Never try to feed a coyote. Feeding wild animals is illegal in the U.S. and Canada, and could result in injury if the animal were to bite you.Thanks!
- Never let your child or pet interact with a coyote!Thanks!
- Never run from a coyote. It can run much faster than you.[14]Thanks!
- Coyotes often attack humans to protect their pup's lives. Take care not to go too close to a coyote pup.[15]Thanks!
References
- ↑ https://www.homerglenil.org/2370/Coyote-Information
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/05/travel/how-to-deal-with-animal-encounter.html
- ↑ https://www.coyotesmarts.org/what-to-do/
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/coyote-hazing-guidelines.pdf
- ↑ https://www.urbancoyoteinitiative.com/10-fascinating-facts-about-urban-coyotes/
- ↑ https://novascotia.ca/natr/wildlife/nuisance/coyotes-faq.asp
- ↑ https://medvetforpets.com/how-to-protect-your-dog-or-cat-from-coyote-attacks/
- ↑ https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/urban-coyotes-keeping-your-pets-safe
- ↑ https://dhhr.wv.gov/campsafety/campers/pages/wildlife-safety.aspx
- ↑ https://www.princeton.edu/~oa/training/bearbag.shtml
- ↑ https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/camping-safety-avoid-wild-animal-encounters
- ↑ https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/pets_wildlife/what-to-do-if-you-encounter-a-coyote.aspx
- ↑ www.wideopenspaces.com/heres-how-to-keep-coyotes-away-for-good
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coyote-hazing
- ↑ https://www.cityofmalden.org/599/Living-with-Coyotes
